This presentation describes a comprehensive approach, including specific instruments and methods, for collecting, analyzing, translating and communicating information about the factors influencing the health status of a community. Discussed will be assessments performed in Fort Collins, Colorado in 1995, and repeated in 1998, used similar methods (both quantitative and qualitative).
Methods included: secondary data (e.g., community demographics, social determinants of health) obtained from state and local sources; an array of community discussion groups (separate groups of consumers, health and human service providers, and community leaders); and general population surveys (n=1,200 in 1995 and n=1,600 in 1998 [included a Medicaid enrollee oversampling]).
The surveys included standardized measures of: functional health status (SF-12), behavioral risks, social capital (Social Integration Scale and Civic Participation Scale), perceived need for and actual utilization of medical, health and human services, perceptions around major community "issues," prevalence of acute and chronic conditions, preventive screening participation, access to care, health insurance history and status, respondent and household demographic characteristics.
"Profiles" of various population groups were constructed, and where possible, comparisons with comparable national data were made.
Challenges and opportunities resulting from this an approach will be presented and discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the close of the session participants should be able to list the elements of a comprehensive population-based community health status assessment, describe alternative methods for data collection and analysis
Keywords: Community Health Assessment,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Felix, Burdine and Associates, a consulting firm which provided instrumentation and methodology
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee of Felix, Burdine and Associates